Kudos to Hillsborough Hog Day for trying to go (almost) garbage-free! I wonder if Chapel Hill would try this for FestiFall?

"Our goal is waste minimization, reducing waste in the first place and composting and recycling as much as we can," said Muriel Williman of Orange County's Solid Waste Management Department and a Hog Day Committee member. "While some trash is expected, we would like to reduce waste by 75-80 percent, even 90 percent. With everyone's help, we can."

Visitors should expect to see vendors serving on paper plates and bowls, or using wax paper to wrap food. Vendors will also be using biodegradable utensils (made from corn, potato or wheat starch) though most people will not even notice the difference. The goal is to be able to compost as much as possible. Any plastic utensils, film, condiment packets or other plastic can contaminate the compost collection.

Last year there was some interest in having a tournament pool here on OrangePolitics. Since all of the online pools require registration, I figured we might was well use Facebook, where many of us already have accounts. (I also couldn't find a site that includes the women's tournament, please send me links if you know of one.)

So without further ado, I give you: The Official OrangePolitics B-ball Pool! You have to pick your teams before the first game starts on Thursday, so don't delay. To join, send me a message via Facebook and you will get an invitation.